MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: The effect of participation in a Fitness Rewards Program on medical care expenditures in an employee population

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2012

ISSN: 1536-5948; 1076-2752

DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e318246f20e [doi]

PMID: 22361993

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In 2008, the University of Minnesota began offering the Fitness Rewards Program (FRP) that provides a monthly credit toward fitness center dues for individuals who exercise at a participating facility at least 8 times per month. This study evaluates whether participation in the FRP is associated with a decrease in medical spending. METHODS: Using a difference-in-differences approach, we estimate multivariate regression models of average monthly medical expenditures for 2006 through 2008. RESULTS: We find positive benefits from reduced medical spending among highly persistent FRP exercisers. However, the results are sensitive to the inclusion or exclusion of individuals who had very high medical expenditures in any year. CONCLUSIONS: Offering exercise-focused wellness initiatives may have economic benefits for employers, but further research is needed to understand the sensitivity of results to the inclusion of outliers.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Abraham, Jean Marie; Nyman, John A.; Feldman, Roger; Barleen, Nathan A.

Periodical (Full): Journal of occupational and environmental medicine

Issue: 3

Volume: 54

Pages: 280-564

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop